Defender Maldini Kacurri, full-back Josh Nichols, wingers Ismeal Kabia, Sebastian Ferdinand, Osman Kamara, and midfielder Harrison Dudziak are all rising talents.
Goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo first appeared for Jack Wilshere’s under-18 team in the 2022/23 season. Last season, he played three times for the under-21s in Premier League 2 Division One, achieving a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
Okonkwo expressed his pride, stating, “I’ve worked hard over the last few years to achieve this. The club has trust in me, which is really important, helping me with my confidence.”
Defender Maldini Kacurri played 13 times for Jack Wilshere’s under-18s last season and made four appearances for the under-21s in Premier League 2 Division One. He also participated in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League. “I’m very happy.
This is something that I’ve been working towards my whole life,” Kacurri said. “It wasn’t a difficult decision at all to commit my future here. It’s a great club, I’ve learned a lot here and I’ve improved so much.”
Versatile full-back Josh Nichols made 31 appearances across Arsenal’s academy sides last season, including all six group games in the UEFA Youth League. “It’s a dream come true,” Nichols said. “Every kid wants to play for the first team, so I can use the coaches to develop myself into a better player and hopefully play for them.”
Right winger Ismeal Kabia stepped up to the under-21 team last season, making 11 appearances in Premier League 2 Division One and appearing twice in the play-offs.
He also played for the under-18s in the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup. “It’s been a long time coming and I’m very happy,” Kabia said. “The club has fed me a lot of good information, not only as a player but off the field as well to be respectful.”
Right winger Sebastian Ferdinand made 18 appearances across Arsenal’s academy sides last season, scoring twice in both the U18 Premier League and the Papa John’s Trophy. “It’s a dream that a lot of young boys have, especially growing up around London,” Ferdinand said. “It’s a day to celebrate, but not too much because I’m always thinking about what’s next.”
Midfielder Harrison Dudziak registered seven assists and scored twice in 18 appearances last season in the U18 Premier League. He also featured six times for the under-21s in Premier League 2. “I’m very pleased, very happy,” Dudziak said. “Creating chances gets me in the team. I’d like to score more goals as well, but the assists are a strong area of my game that I want to improve on.”
Left winger Osman Kamara had his best goalscoring season in 2023/24, netting nine times in 14 U18 Premier League appearances and getting two assists.
He also scored in Premier League 2 for the under-21s team. “I feel really delighted to have my family watch me sign my first professional contract,” Kamara said. “It gives you that sense that, if you do work hard, things will be given to you.”
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